China is set to hold a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. President Xi Jinping will be joined by leaders from several heavily sanctioned nations, including Russia's Vladimir Putin, North Korea's Kim Jong-un, and the Iranian president.
The gathering, dubbed the 'axis of upheaval' by some analysts, underscores the reshaping of global alliances. While leaders from the global south will be present, almost no Western leaders are expected to attend, highlighting Beijing's diplomatic pivot.
The parade serves as a display of military and diplomatic strength amid high-stakes trade negotiations with the Trump administration in the United States. China aims to project its growing influence and solidarity with nations that share its opposition to US-led hegemony.
Also attending are leaders from Myanmar and other countries, further cementing the bloc of nations challenging the established international order. The event is seen as a significant moment in the shifting geopolitical landscape.
